QUICK INTRODUCTIONS - BIN

Concept

/ For use as a very quick self-introduction
Aim /
  • To make people interested to knowyou in 10-15 seconds
  • Also known as an “elevator story” – ie the quick introduction you can give in an elevator between floors.

How it works / Instructions to the group -
  • Using the formula BIN (Doug Malouf, How to Create and Deliver a Dynamic Presentation. Simon Schuster Aust 1988, p26)
  • B background
  • I interesting fact
  • N name
  • Each person is allowed only 10 – 15 seconds.
  • The introduction must be made to the appropriate audience, eg
  • to a work audience – “I’m from XYZ Marketing, I keep track of the progress of clients jobs, my name is Mary Martin”.
  • to a community audience – “I represent Redlands U3A where I tutor computer classes, I’m Ruby Roberts”.
  • at the gourmet club – “I’m a chocoholic, and I always scrutinise the dessert menu first, my name is Carol Candy”.
Where it occurs in the meeting –
Anywhere appropriate as a small exercise
Tips /
  • The facilitator to stress speakers are not to tell their life story
  • Pick just one interesting fact
  • Get immediately to the point
  • One smallthought or phrase per point
  • Advise one bell only at 10 or 15 seconds
  • A great exercise in a large group

Pitfalls /
  • Not ringing the bell loud enough
  • Not knowingoridentifying the audienceyourintroduction is directed to
  • Wanting to start with yourname – note the formula asks for name to be last (this is becauseyou are whetting the audiences interest in actually knowingyour name, therefore say it last)

Possible Topics /
  • All the above examples
  • This formula can also be used to introduce/identify yourself with:
  • Likes or dislikes, food,
  • A hobby, travel, favourite book
  • A personal aspiration, etc

Contact Person / Pam Tranter – Cleveland Forums
Phone: 3206 0757 Email:
Your ideas for improvement / Once you have used this technique jot down your ideas for improvement
This formula can also be used to quickly introduce anyone
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Forum Communicators Association Inc Good Ideas File September 2008 Updated February 2013